23 Shows to Watch During <i>The White Lotus</i> Withdrawal

Although it has a totally different vibe from The White Lotus, Loot explores extreme wealth through the lens of a billionaire wanting to exact positive change in the world. Seemingly drawing inspiration from MacKenzie Scott’s decision to give away her fortune, Loot stars Maya Rudolph as Molly Novak, a woman who receives $87 billion in her divorce. She decides to help people with the money and pledges to donate every cent.
Based on the story behind co-working space company WeWorked, WeCrashed follows CEO Adam Neumann (Jared Leto) and his wife, Rebekah (Anne Hathaway). The series, which includes several fictionalized elements, tracks the company’s unexpected climb to a $47 billion valuation, only for WeWork to suffer huge losses. It’s based on a podcast from The Wondery of the same name.
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Laura Dern’s starring role in Enlightened won her a Golden Globe, but the HBO series suddenly got canceled after its second season. The dry workplace comedy follows a woman on the verge of a breakdown after her personal and professional lives implode. White served as creator and writer of the series, and also co-starred in it, along with the ever-dreamy Luke Wilson. There might only be two seasons, but they’re damn near perfect.
If you think the guests at The White Lotus are awful, just wait until you meet Belle Gibson. Kaitlyn Dever plays Belle, a woman who realizes that faking a cancer diagnosis gains her the attention she’s always craved. When she cashes in on her online presence, building exorbitant wealth on the backs of actually sick people, she shows no shame and continues to build her “wellness” empire. Even more shocking is the fact Apple Cider Vinegar is based on a true story.
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If you’re a fan of The White Lotus because you love watching rich, unserious people being terrible to one another, then Succession is a no-brainer. The glossy HBO drama follows the Roy family as they bicker and fight for the company created by their father. However, Logan Roy isn’t about to relinquish power to anyone.
Industry follows the lives of a group of ambitious graduates all vying for a permanent position in the London offices of an investment bank. Myha’la gives a jaw-dropping performance as Harper Stern, an intelligent New York recruit hiding a secret that threatens her entire career. When they’re not working, Pierpoint’s employees are usually involved in some scandalous behavior, which will definitely appeal to White Lotus fans.
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As viewers of The White Lotus know only too well, money is often responsible for more problems than it fixes. In this mini-series from the creator of Big Little Lies, a group of rich strangers attend a prestigious health and wellness retreat outside of California called Tranquillum House. The retreat is run by the mysterious Masha (Nicole Kidman), who utilizes some strange and sometimes illegal techniques to help heal her clients.
Apple TV+'s Bad Sisters starts with a sudden death, meaning it already shares some ground with The White Lotus. The smart and hilarious series was created by Sharon Horgan, and is adapted from a Flemish series called Clan. Throughout season 1’s ten episodes, the Garvey sisters grapple with what really happened to their brother-in-law. Bad Sisters will keep you guessing right up until the end.
If you had no idea that there was a sequel to The Golden Girls, you’re in for a treat. The Golden Palace follows Rose, Blanche, and Sophia who, having sold their house, decide to invest in a Miami hotel. The trio runs the establishment, which welcomes many famous faces, including a guest appearance from Dorothy. The spin-off only ran for one season, but Hulu has all 24 episodes for your viewing pleasure.
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If you’re obsessed with the rich familial dysfunction found throughout both seasons of The White Lotus, you’ll adore Arrested Development. The show ran for five seasons, and follows the previously wealthy Bluth family, who haven’t adjusted to their new normal. Comedy ensues when Michael Bluth (Jason Bateman) attempts to rein in the family’s extravagant lifestyles after their father is arrested. (Maybe the Ratliffs can relate.)
Peacock’s The Resort follows Emma (Cristina Milioti) and Noah (William Jackson Harper), a married couple trying to reconnect during a luxurious vacation. However, they quickly find themselves in the middle of a 15-year-old mystery involving a murder and some strange disappearances. Just like The White Lotus, The Resort’s unsolved mysteries will keep you guessing right up until the very end.
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If truly ridiculous rich people are your thing, then The Righteous Gemstones is perfect for you. The series follows the exploits of an uber-rich family of televangelists as they expand their empire. Filled with hilarious one-liners, unexpected action, and super strange plots, The Righteous Gemstones will help you forget about your stay at The White Lotus, temporarily at least. Plus, more Walton Goggins!
The Gilded Age asks the pertinent question, “What if Downton Abbey took place in America?” Set in New York in the late 1800s, The Gilded Age focuses on the nouveau riche Russell family, as they attempt to ingratiate themselves with their much more established neighbors. Characters are forced to navigate race, class, and gender politics, and the series provides plenty of twists and turns that will keep White Lotus viewers on their toes. You’ll find more Carrie Coon here too.
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Mad Men ran for seven seasons and introduced the world to the impossibly suave Don Draper, which Jon Hamm played to perfection. Set within a successful New York advertising agency, Mad Men masterfully brings the 1960s to life. The series rightfully established Elisabeth Moss and Christina Hendricks as actors to watch. It’s undeniable that Mad Men is a slow burn, but White Lotus fans will love the stylish costumes, retro sets, and the characters’ propensity for drinking too much.
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Throughout its first three seasons, at least, Showtime’s The Affair provided a fascinating exploration of how illicit relationships ripple through entire families. An ensemble cast led by Ruth Wilson, Joshua Jackson, Dominic West, and Maura Tierney made The Affair endlessly watchable. Sadly, rumors of a “toxic” environment plagued the series, which Wilson exited in season 4. But if you like watching terrible people doing dark deeds, The Affair is your next binge.
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Las Vegas stand-up Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) suddenly loses her residency, and needs to shake up her act. Enter Ava (Hannah Einbinder), a young writer whose career has been stalled because of a social media faux pas. The unlikely pair must learn to work together if either of them are going to work in the entertainment again. In Hacks, Ava’s very relatable life stands in stark contrast to Deborah’s glamorous lifestyle, which is certainly appropriate after a fateful stay at The White Lotus.
Olivia Cooke stars as Becky Sharpe, a ruthless social climber intent on entering the upper echelons of society, no matter what it takes. Based on William Makepeace Thackeray's classic novel, this seven-part adaptation of Vanity Fair masterfully explores how it feels to be on the outside looking in. Regardless of how you feel about Becky, her antics are endlessly entertaining. She’d definitely be finding a way to stay at every White Lotus property around the globe.
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